Rowntree hangs up his boots

England and Leicester Tigers prop Graham Rowntree has retired from rugby.

Leicester Tigers veteran Graham Rowntree has retired from rugby union after 17 years in the game.

The England and Leicester prop made his last appearance on Sunday, leading the Tigers into action against Argentina in the PwC Challenge Cup at Welford Road.

The 41-21 defeat marked Rowntree's 398th appearance in the famous green jersey of Leicester, after he initially joined the club in 1990.

During his time there, the combative forward helped the Tigers to four consecutive Premiership titles, as well as two Heineken Cup successes.

At international level, Rowntree earned a total of 54 caps after debuting against Scotland in 1995, as well as participating in two Lions tours - although he never got a Test cap.

A loyal servant to club and country, Rowntree was a big part of Sir Clive Woodward's squad in the build-up to the 2003 World Cup, playing in all of the 2002 Six Nations matches, although he eventually missed the cut.

"I have had incredible good fortune in being involved with this club for so long, to have won some great things and with some incredible players," Rowntree told Leicester Tigers' official website.

"I would not change a single thing in my time here.

"Rugby at Leicester is my life and has been my life for a long time. Leicester Tigers is in my blood. I could not imagine going to play for any other club."

Head coach Pat Howard added: "Graham has been a great servant to the club over the years and playing in Sunday's game was a great way to celebrate the career of a fantastic player for Leicester and England.

"His loyalty to the club has been immense. He loves Leicester and the club loves him."